The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Technical Sergeant George Ascuena (MCSN: 303619), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Forward Observer for the Support Air Party, Marine Service Squadron TWENTY-FOUR, Marine Aircraft Group TWENTY-FOUR, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 22 February to 6 April 1945. Demonstrating outstanding skill, Master Technical Sergeant Ascuena maintained all radio equipment in operating order despite the lack of adequate supplies and facilities and, in the face of hostile fire on 1 March, set up the radio equipment in a front line foxhole. When the Officer-in-Charge of the Support Air Party was wounded, he returned to the foxhole under intense enemy rifle and machine-gun fire, carried the officer to a place of safety for medical treatment and, subsequently returning to the radio equipment, personally directed close air support missions. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.